(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens? I have been raising chickens now for almost 5 years. I still consider myself new to it though because I am continuously learning new things about them.

(2) How many chickens do you have right now? Right now I have a small flock due to my father being diagnosed with lung cancer and me having to live with him for the 8 months he fought for his life and I could not tend to my birds like they needed to be tended to. I have 10 adult chickens and two 1 week old chicks.

(3) What breeds do you have? I have English Orpington, American buff orpington, Rhode Island Red, Blue laced red wyandotte, and black australorp

(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens? I love to sit outside and just watch the birds run around, they can be so funny and such loving pets. And I absolutely love hatching the babies. It's like a wonderful surprise every 21 days even when I know what to expect it never gets old to me.

(5) What are some of your other hobbies? Gardening(15ac veggies and 20ac flowers), spending time with family, bike riding, LOVE LOVE BASS FISHING!!!

(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share. I have 3 children, 17 and 7yr old girls and 13yr old boy, best friend/husband/fellow bird lover, I also raise beef cattle, bottle dairy calves, rabbits, quail, have 3 cowdogs Libby age 4, Spicey age 11, and Skeeter Bug age 3, my teeniny best friend/long haired chihuahua/mini German shepherd(she really looks like a mini shepherd seriously lol say that all the time) Tiny age 1 1/2, TWH mare Joy age 13, I own and operate a nursery/mail order flower business and as of last season we have our produce stand open for business as well and my husband works P/T building lakes, we are on 90ac in rural MS, and I guess that's it

(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community? a Google search about color genetics returned a thread from BYC, I've known about BYC for about 2yrs or little longer, and I joined because I am finally ready to jump in and start asking some questions I have about chickens and have the chance to meet new people that have the same interest as me since I rarely leave home to chat with anyone in person.

You've got quite a farm operation going on! I was a florist/nursery manager for 20 years and now a stay at home mom... looking to move and start a little homestead in the next couple years. Hope you enjoy being part of our community and sharing your experience!